NHL Game of the Night – Blue Jackets vs. Canadiens (-135)
NHL Betting – Mason vs. Price
On Tuesday evening, the NHL betting ticket features only one contest, as the Columbus Blue Jackets cross the border to play the Montréal Canadiens, which will showcase two goaltenders heading in opposite directions.
Cary Price has heated up for Montréal after a slow start, while Steve Mason of Columbus continues to struggle. Nevertheless, it should be a great sports event, starting at 7:30 PM Eastern in Montréal.
The Blue Jackets have won consecutive games against the Canadiens, including a 4-3 shootout victory Nov. 7, 2008, in the most recent meeting. Columbus is 3-1-0 with one tie all-time at Montréal. BetUS NHL betting odds list Montréal the slight money line favorites priced at -135 with a game total of 5 1/2 under -125.
Total players have built their bankroll by investing in the under whenever these two meet. Overall, the under is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings and the under has cashed in four of the last five played on Montréal’s ice. Also note: the road team is 5-2-1 in their last eight face-offs.
The Canadiens’ Price began the season as the starting goaltender but an early six-game losing streak put him on the bench, as backup Jaroslav Halak saw playing time. Price was placed back in net where he has since re-earned his starting spot, going 4-2-1 with a 1.94 GAA in his past seven trips to the ice while starting the last five consecutive games.
He had a strong performance in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout loss to visiting Detroit, making 32 saves through overtime. Montréal is a money-dropping 9-20 in their last 29 games after allowing two goals are more. They also drop cash when playing opponents in the Western Conference where they are a lousy 1-8, as well as, winning just one of its last five home games.
Monday’s 7-4 loss to the New York Rangers was the Blue Jackets’ first in regulation since a 9-1 defeat to Detroit on Nov. 11 in coach Ken Hitchcock’s 1,000th NHL game behind the bench. The Blue Jackets are a bankroll busting 2-7 after losing a game by three goals or more. Columbus has earned at least a point in nine of its last 11 games (6-2-3).
Mason captured the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie with 33 wins last season, however, he is experiencing a very dismal sophomore slump, ranking next-to-last in the NHL with a robust 3.59 GAA. He was pulled for the third time this season on Monday night in Columbus after allowing four goals on 17 shots. Mason surrendered at least four goals for the eighth time in 17 starts this season.
Blue Jackets star forward Rick Nash has been held without a point in consecutive games for the first time this season and was a minus-4 in Monday’s loss. However, Columbus is a moneymaking 7-0 versus Northeast division foes. But for whatever reason, the Blue Jackets struggle against lesser competition. They are 24-49 in their last 73 versus a team with a losing record.
Free NHL Picks: Montréal -135
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